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Knee Injuries Caused By Motorcycle Accidents

Injury Attorney Serving Victims Nationwide

According to a 2008 report, injuries of the lower extremities are the most
commonly received injuries in
motorcycle accidents. Of these, injuries of the knee and related structures are in the top
three most commonly reported. Knee injuries can be painful at best and
debilitating at worst. The knee is a weight-bearing structure of the leg
and as such injuries that go untreated can cause problems years after the fact.

Fractures

One of the most common knee injuries after a motorcycle accident is a
bone fracture. Of these, 37% are of the tibia, or the shin bone. The flattened
portion that comprises the lower portion of the knee is known as the tibial
plateau. In normal knees it is easily able to bear weight. When fractured,
the knee swells and the pain of bearing weight makes the act difficult
or impossible. Additionally, the swelling may lead to compartment syndrome--the
compression of blood vessels and nerves in the leg. Left untreated, compartment
syndrome can lead to serious complications.

Much like the tibia has a flattened surface for the knee, the femur--the
long bone of the thigh--has a similar surface called a condyle. Femoral
condylar fractures account for 9% of motorcycle-related leg injuries.
Like the tibial plateau, the femoral condyle is important in the process
of bearing weight. Lateral condyle fractures--that is, a fracture of the
outermost “bump” of the condyle--are common from impact injuries,
such as hitting the road after taking a spill. Surgery is often needed
to repair this injury.

Patellar fractures make up 18% of knee injuries after motorcycle accidents.
The patella is the kneecap, the small bone embedded in the tendon of the
knee that protects the softer structures inside of the joint. Besides
the pain and swelling that can be expected from fractures, patellar fractures
are often accompanied by torn tendons due to the nature of its location.
Patellar fractures can be treated by physical therapy or surgery, depending
on the severity of the fracture.

Dislocation

Dislocations of the knees are an additional 10% of injuries. In knee dislocation
due to trauma, the kneecap “slips” out of its usual place
and the joint deforms painfully. Normal motion becomes impossible due
to both pain and the malformation of the joint. The kneecap may move from
right to left in a manner known as “sloppy kneecap.” One should
not attempt to reset the knee themselves. First, the knee should be straightened
if possible or otherwise stabilized if not. A medical professional should
be contacted for further treatment. Dislocation can be confirmed with
X-rays or MRIs and the knee will often be placed in an immobilizing device
in order to allow the joint to rest and recover from damage. Afterwards,
physical therapy will be needed in order to strengthen and rebuild the
joint. In extreme cases, surgery may be required.

Sprain

A sprain occurs when a joint is twisted violently, causing the ligaments
holding bone together to tear. Knee sprains occur in 6% of motorcycle
accidents. The knee is held together by four important ligaments: the
lateral collateral ligament, the medial collateral ligament, the posterior
cruciate ligament, and the anterior cruciate ligament. The lateral and
medial collateral ligaments hold the outsides of the joint together by
stretching from the femur to the fibula and tibia, or shin bones. The
posterior and anterior cruciate ligaments hold the inside of the knee
together by doing the same from inside of the joint. A sprain tearing
these ligaments causes pain and swelling, and may affect the ability to
bear weight and walk. Depending on the severity of the pain, X-rays or
MRIs may be needed. In most cases, the RICE method--Rest, Ice, Compression,
Elevation--is enough to treat a sprain. Occasionally a brace or crutches
and physical therapy may be needed.

Ligament Tear

When a sprain goes too far and rips the ligaments, a tear occurs. Sports
fans may be familiar with the term “ACL tear,” which is a
torn anterior cruciate ligament in the knee. 18% of leg injuries in motorcycle
accidents can cause the same type of injury. When a tear occurs, a popping
sound might be heard or the sensation of popping felt in the knee. As
with most knee injuries, pain and swelling will occur and weight bearing
will be difficult. In severe cases, nerves may be torn as well and pain
signals may be unable to get through, causing an absence of pain. If a
ligament tear is suspected, medical help should be sought out. A knee
brace immobilizing the joint will be needed in order to give the ligaments
time to heal, and physical therapy will be needed afterwards.

Meniscus Tear

The interior ligaments of the knee joint attach to a two c-shaped pads
of cartilage called the meniscus. These surfaces allows for smooth movement
of the knee and the absorption of shock during movement. If the meniscus
tears, as it does in 3% of motorcycle accidents involving leg injuries,
this ability is impeded. Like ligament tears, a popping sensation may
be felt when a meniscus tears. Pain and swelling may also take hours to
develop. However, due to the nature of cartilage, an X-ray may not pick
up the location and degree of damage. An MRI is the better choice of diagnostic
test due to its ability to see into softer tissue. Cartilage also generally
lacks the blood supply of bone or ligament, so healing time is often slow.
Physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications are the first choice
of healing, though on occasion surgery may be needed when a more immediate
result is called for.

Tendon Tear

The tendon that crosses the front of the knee and holds the kneecap is
known as the patellar tendon, and direct injury to the front of the knee
can cause it to rupture and tear. In 3% of motorcycle accidents involving
knee injuries, this is exactly what happens. With this tendon torn, the
knee is incapable of being straightened. The kneecap may move upwards
due to the tearing, and a dent can be visible where the tear occurred.
After imaging tests have been performed to assess the damage, the doctor
can determine how the injury should be treated. For small or incomplete
tears physical therapy and immobilization are best. For larger and complete
tears, surgery is needed to reattach the tendon.

Getting Help

These injuries can be expensive and life-changing. If you need representation
after an accident that has caused you to suffer any of these injuries
after a motorcycle accident, call us at
Doan Law Firm 24 hours a day. Our firm has been ranked number one in customer satisfaction,
and there are no fees unless we win your case.
Call us for a free consultation today, any time. Your health and peace of mind is worth it.

After an accident, the responsible party's insurance company may try
to reduce the claim amount. Commonly, insurance adjusters are trained
to get information from the
injured to assist in reducing the claim. Though some insurers are less guilty
of this practice than others, it is important to realize that insurance
companies are profit-oriented corporations and reducing claims results
in increased profits for shareholders. This can create a situation for
the injured in which they are offered a settlement that does not truly
reflect the damages suffered. If you accept this settlement, you lose
the ability to get more money should your injuries require further medical
treatments. It is critical that victims get legal assistance in any personal
injury case, and
The Doan Law Firm is prepared to fight relentlessly for your rights.